Wonderful Grade II Listed country house with detached annexe and garage block set in about 2 acres of grounds. Available for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Built in 1758 of locally made red brick under a copper roof, Culham Court is a quintessential and striking example of Georgian architecture. Later additions in 1816 added the rare and unusual triple serpentine façade to the south facing rear of the house with bricks hand made locally specifically for the purpose. The large paned Georgian sashes also required hand-made curved glass, some of which is still in situ today.
The handsome front door, with its ornate fan light and typically Georgian columned porch, affords an impressive entrance. The welcoming central entrance hall opens right up to the back of the house affording views to the garden beyond through the glazed rear door. The triple aspect drawing room is a delight with its parquet flooring, open fireplace, original working wooden shutters and cornice and dado rail detailing. Glazed leaded light doors open to the terrace. A study leads off, also with a door to the terrace. The generous dining room, with parquet flooring, open fireplace and wooden shutters, is accessed from the hallway, kitchen and family room, ensuring a seamless and easy flow to that part of the house. The welcoming kitchen/ breakfast room has a two door Aga, a most attractive dresser to the length of one wall, with access to the rear hallway and also views over the garden to the front. The rear/inner hall has access to the kitchen, utility/ cloakroom and the cosy sitting room which has an open fire and double doors to the terrace.
The staircase is of particular note with its pleasing wide, low riser treads and oak handrail winding to the first and second floors. The large roof light at the top floods the centre of the house with natural light. The striking principal bedroom suite stretches from front to rear of the house with its own dressing area and en suite bathroom with separate shower and dual vanity unit with marble surround. Also on the first floor is a charming guest bedroom suite with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The second floor with its galleried landing has five further bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite) with a further room, at present used as a sewing room, but would lend itself to be a second study. There is also a large walk-in linen cupboard.
Approached via a private driveway, the house is set back behind lawns and mature Yew hedging. A gate in the garden wall opens to the stunning, mostly walled gardens comprising; extensive lawns, beautiful established deep herbaceous borders, many mature trees and an unusual Oxbow pond, making an ideal setting for families to gather, enjoy and to entertain. A large flagged terrace mirrors the curves of the rear of the house and stretches the width. There is a utility area to the side of the house which houses the oil tank and boiler and there is also a greenhouse. The garden also has an original Georgian ice-house. The front driveway leads on to a large courtyard where the Coach House and Cottage are situated. The Coach House comprises a double bay garage with generous room above, workshop, tack room and two stables all brick under a tiled roof.
The Cottage: The guest/staff cottage comprises; three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen/ breakfast room, sitting room, study and conservatory and has its own private garden at the rear.
Services: Mains water and electric are connected. Oil central heating. LPG for the Aga. Private drainage. Good broadband speed.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
A real gem of a house. This home has clearly been well loved by the current owners and no doubt will be by the next ones too.
Charles Elsmore-Wickens